How do you know your cat is getting the nutrition they require? You're bombarded with cat food commercials, each alleging that their product is better than the others. Barkley's Pet Market in Hardy, VA can help reduce the confusion. We stock a number of cat foods and can help you in selecting the one that is ideal for your precious pet.
Your cat is a hunter, descended from a long line of hunters. Wild cats naturally ate a wide variety of nutritious food, based upon what they could catch. But your domestic cat counts on you to feed them. Barkley's Pet Market has all the foods that will keep them happy and healthy.
What Nutrients Does Your Cat Need?
For starters, your cat is a carnivore. They need meat in some form. This can be chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or eggs. They need fats to supply energy and help absorb vitamins like A, D, B1, B2, B3, and B6. In addition, some cat foods consist of carbohydrates, which are digestible and provide energy.
Reading a Cat Food Label
Cat food companies are required to put specific information on their labels, such as ingredients in descending order of weight, and guaranteed analysis, which tells you the minimum and maximum amount of nutrients like fats, protein, and fiber.
Learn about food descriptions. There's a difference between "chicken cat food" and "cat food with chicken." Chicken cat food must be 95 percent chicken, while cat food with chicken can have as little as 3 percent. Food referred to as "chicken dinner" (or chicken formula) can be anywhere between 25 and 95 percent chicken.
Labels have feeding directions, but they're a guideline and not a "one size fits all." Your vet's guidance takes priority.
Try to find the nutritional adequacy statement, which explains whether the food is meant for an adult cat or a kitten.
Still have questions? Just ask us! Barkley's Pet Market in Hardy, VA has anything you need for your pet. We carry a wide assortment of major brands and our well-informed staff is eager to answer your questions and help you choose the best food for your cat. Stop by our store or call (540) 346-2277 for all your pet's needs.
